[johnd]

I have a machine that is currently used to apply an adhesive to a part.
The machine feeds a part onto a chain conveyor which in turn delivers the part to a glue station where spray gun
applies an adhesive to the part.
Once the adhesive is applied to the part it is conveyed out of the machine.
The machine is currently controlled by an Allen Bradley SLC 150 controller.
What we would like to do is replace the spray head with a simple X/Y table to hold and move the spray head
around the
The table would be controlled by Mach 3 operating from a personal computer.
The drive would be gecko 203's and steppers turning ball screws to move a 10" x 12" table
This system would give me the option to process multiple pattern as well as quick change over.
Basically I want the Allen Bradley PLC to control when Mach 3 is to be initiated/ cycled and when the cycle is completed
the personal computer would tell the PLC that the cycle is done so that PLC can start a new cycle.
The PLC does not have Modbus capability.
Because of this I would have to communicate by inputs and ouputs from the PLC.
Is this doable thru a breakout board?

Any help would be appreciated.

[Al_The_Man]

You could use the PLC to initiate the Start function in Mach, when the Mach routine is finished use a Mach output to input to the PLC, this would be basic handshaking, you might elaborate on it by testing.
Depending if sink or source PLC inputs, you may be able to simply use a small mosfet from Mach port to PLC, e.g. 2n7000.
Al.